Air Partner expands New York office as it strengthens US offering

October 2016

Mark Briffa says that Air Partner’s JetCard is a solid foundation on which to grow its customer base

Air Partner is growing its New York office to support its continued expansion in the US, with particular emphasis on New York City and the surrounding area. The group believes that there is strong demand in the area for its products, and particularly its JetCard. The office, located in Lower Manhattan, strengthens an existing US network that includes Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and Washington DC.

Commenting on the expansion, CEO Mark Briffa says: “The US has long been an important market for Air Partner, and one which continues to be an area of strategic focus. We have been an established business there for 19 years now, but there are still opportunities that we can capitalise on. North America is the biggest private jet market in the world and we are committed to taking more of this share. The expansion of our New York office is a really exciting development for us, and I can't wait to see how our American journey progresses.”

Non-executive director is appointed

Richard Jackson has been appoin- ted independent non-executive director and will also join the audit and risk committee. He left the UK CAA earlier this year after 16 years as group director of consumer protection, and during his time there he was instrumental in making significant improvements, including the introduction of new ATOL regulations and the replacement of bonding with the ATOL Protection Contribution.

Chairman Richard Everitt comments: “I am delighted that Richard has joined the Air Partner board. His deep understanding of the aviation industry and his regulatory and consulting expertise will be highly beneficial to the group.”

Pre-close trading statement looks strong

Trading in Air Partner plc in the first six months of the year has been strong. Underlying pre-tax profit for the first half of the financial year ending 31 January 2017 is expected to be not less than US$4 million, which compares to US$2.9 million reported in the same period last year, with a strong net cash position.